Washington (CNN) - As the 2010 battle for Congress heats up, the Senate campaign committees for both parties had something to brag about Wednesday.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee reports that it raked in $4 million last month. That's slightly ahead of their counterpart, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which announced it brought in $3.72 million in October.

But the DSCC says it has $11.32 million cash on hand, more than twice the $5.8 million the NRSC says it has in the bank. The DSCC does report it owes just over $2 million.

The DSCC says it raked in $5.9 million in September, compared to $3.2 million for the NRSC.

Both committees say their October 2009 numbers are better than they were at same point two years ago.

"Both the NRSC and our Senate Republican candidates nationwide continue to enjoy a strong level of fundraising success as more Americans realize the importance of returning checks-and-balances back to Washington in 2010," says NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh.

"Our supporters are energized by Senate Republicans obstructing everything in their line of sight. With so much at stake right now, Democrats have increased our cash on hand advantage for what will be an intense 2010 campaign cycle," says DSCC Spokesman Eric Schultz.

The Democrats are defending 19 Senate seats next year, one more than the Republicans.
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn

soundoff(20 Responses)

The reason the cons have less coin, is they spent so much on the boondoggle in NY-23

Which bought them a Dem in a seat that had not had a Dem holding it since before the invention of the light bulb!

November 18, 2009 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |

shmeckel

When those two win, we the people lose. We need some good independents in 2010 and 12.

November 18, 2009 05:16 pm at 5:16 pm |

Doug - Dallas

I sure am glad they're raising all that money. Now if they could just get their members to actually do something for the American people that is positive, I'd feel a lot better. We used to fire people for that kind of performance!!

November 18, 2009 05:32 pm at 5:32 pm |

The Lonely Libertarian of Liverpool NY

And where is all this money coming from? Our government is working for everyone but the people; they are in election mode 100% of the time, accepting money, gifts and favors from the lobbyists, special interest groups, PACs, Wall Street, Banks, global Corporations, auto industry and unions. Why do our elected officials receive such large amounts of money for influence with much of this money coming in from outside the districts the congressional leader is representing?
Does our government represent corportate America or the America citizen?

November 18, 2009 05:45 pm at 5:45 pm |

Felonious Monk

The shame about all of this is that the republican conservatives are calling for the death/assasination of our President Obama. They are using the bible's psalm 109.8 and 109.9 as their rally cry.
psalm 109
8 May his days be few;
may another take his place of leadership.
9 May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow.
How christian is this? Calling for the death of the American President. This is un-American in is most harsh form.

Was Jesus' death on the cross a retroactive abortion?

November 18, 2009 05:49 pm at 5:49 pm |

Hugo

How about raking up some jobs for the middle class educated professionals that are now unemployed due to your cohorts and contributors horrible judgment in fiscal responsibility and economic policy making!

November 18, 2009 05:50 pm at 5:50 pm |

Welches, Oregon

Well, I'm really the victor because I didn't contribute to either one.

November 18, 2009 06:13 pm at 6:13 pm |

Michael

"The reason the cons have less coin, is they spent so much on the boondoggle in NY-23"

This article is about the SENATE campaign committees, not the HOUSE campaign committees. Watching the conservatives embarrass themselves is nothing new.

November 18, 2009 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |

Gerry

Remember incumbents out in 2010. Get the old blood out and get someone new that is young. Vote independent. Did you know that there are 237 millionaires in congress. So we know why they are there.

November 18, 2009 06:28 pm at 6:28 pm |

They call me "tater salad"

Well seeing as how both of our beloved political parties are so well versed at rasing money! Why don't they use it for a real purpose, like the good of our country and it's people instead of spending it all just to win popularity contests and putting on endless magic shows?.............I'll tell you why........... It's all about them, thats why!

November 18, 2009 06:42 pm at 6:42 pm |

Lynne

Imagine the GOOD that all that money would do in helping the homeless, the American children who do not have enough to eat and the vets who are having difficulty coping after two, three or more deployments. Instead the money will buy politicians so they can buy ads that will lie and smear one another!!

November 18, 2009 06:48 pm at 6:48 pm |

Cindy

That's nice, for both sides. That's an indication that the economy is recovering.

November 18, 2009 07:01 pm at 7:01 pm |

Nancy, IN

I don't care who's ahead. The most important issue is healthcare and the war in Afghanistan. Move on CNN.

November 18, 2009 07:32 pm at 7:32 pm |

Jim

The important thing about this money is who is giving it which CNN isn't reporting. Its not like the party that is getting the most money is the party whose agenda is better. I would like to see who is giving the money so that I can see who is owed favors by each party.

November 18, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |

cph9680

I thought lightbulbs were invented before 1993. Hmm, guess I was wrong...

November 18, 2009 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |

Old Farmboy

It amazes me how popularity is defined by cash. Personally, I think the biggest message we can give our prospective parties is not to give anything. Democrat, Repulican, or Independent, we need to make our representatives listen to the voice of the people, not their own choices that effect us and not them. I read a lot of what is written on here. The voices of many of our great nation and it really disturbs me that so many of us do nothing more on here than point fingers and complain without doing nothing more. Remember that you gave the vote that put that person into power and it's your vote that will replace him or her. Watch and listen to your government, because it's not doing that for you.

November 18, 2009 08:15 pm at 8:15 pm |

Barbara Independent in NY

We really need to change fund raising for our politicians. I'm tired of them selling themselves to the highest bidder.

November 18, 2009 08:21 pm at 8:21 pm |

Emma

The money of the Republicans can be used to continue their archaic philosophies of government.

November 18, 2009 08:50 pm at 8:50 pm |

WIlly Brown

The difference between the 2 political parties in America is nothing. They both want to screw you and call is the "will of the people"

November 18, 2009 08:52 pm at 8:52 pm |

Beverly in NC

The Republican Party has a 20% approval rating so where do you think their money comes from? Large corporations, banks, and insurance companies who buy their votes.

The Democratic Party gets its money from the American people who firmly support President Obama and all the great leadership he has shown in handling many difficult issues at one time. He is the People's President and he cares about ALL Americans – not just rich white ones. It's the PEOPLE funding the Democratic Party. They are actually doing something to help America recover and to pass progressive legislation for the benefit of the people they serve. They know what is important for America and are working to deliver it.